Ishak was among those attempting to pull you back with the others, though it wasn't too much trouble as you begin to see the tunnel slowly get smaller as your dragged away. Only after they dragged you around the building, where your sight of the tunnel was cut, you snapped back to reality and felt suddenly hot and sweaty. Ishak stood before you, with a frown, "We should go back, this area is dangerous. Let others know."
Ira stared at Ishak as if not recognizing the kobold for a moment. But as she was shaken back to her senses, she blinked and nodded. She peered back fearfully at the tunnel before turning away, "We've gotten what we need for today. Thank you everyone. Lets return to the others." She was shaken nonetheless and walked the rest of the way back in silence, her catch over her shoulder.
Tsakua looked back at Octavian, to see if there was anything else to say. The wizard didn't seem especially talkative, so Tsakua went back to camp to finish putting up tarps on the roofs.
Finishing with the roofs about when the hunting party returned, Tsakua goes to greet them.
"Well lass, were ye able t'find us some vittles?" he asks Iraldia.
Taking the food and helping to sort it for cooking and storing, Tsakua looks up and sees Ishak standing there as well. Nodding to the kobold, Tsakua remembers what Iraldia said earlier about a rusted treasure chest. Thinking back to the building supplies and tools they had, he tries to remember if they had a crowbar.
It didn't take too long for the group to return to the camp with Iraldia and their catches. Though they would nicely supplement the food they had acquired from the outpost and caravan. The group when they arrived seemed a little perturbed though did not say much. The elves and kobolds went to help finishing with the camp. The female dwarf Briatha was already working on some minor fortifications for their little camp.
Tsakua had no problem climbing and securing the tarps in place as one of the asimars helped him with that. With the ruined building tarped it would provide a decent amount of protection from the elements and sun.
It was getting late when everything started to wrap up, a few of the kobolds already lighting a fire in the first room and getting it all prepared for the food. All the containers have been moved into the adjacent rooms and sorted as well.
Breewyn sighed and opened her eyes staring up at the slowly drifting clouds. She wanted to help too, but she knew in her current state that she would just get in the way and be a bother. She pouted some as she turned some on the little bed they had set up for her. There was a dull pain still from her wounds and she winced. I was so stupid. She admonished herself, counting her blessings that she wasn't finished off by the tiger.
She hadn't seen or heard from Zorgg in a while, wondering where he went. Slowly she tried to sit up, the pain flaring some, almost regretting it after she finally got into a sitting position. She needed more rest, but she also hated being alone and even more now considering recent events. She went to go join them once more, wanting the company.
Ishak nodded back to Tsakua, his silver reptilian eyes dilating for a moment before he gave a light snort. He would help take the food they captured and follow Tsakua to help sort the food and prepare it for storage. "Salt, we got salt?" He says half to himself as he dug around the containers before chortling in what seemed like a pleased noise. "Salt, we do have it."
He looked around for a surface to which to prepare the meat. Grunting as there was not much he would tap the green males elbow. "Help me set up table? Clean surface to prep food." He seemed a little awkward around the green male. Tsakua was more then twice his size in height and thickness, he was pretty sure the male could squash him under foot!
"There's a tunnel, something evil is there. Northwest of camp, to the mountain side. It almost pulled Iraldia into it." He snorted and shook his head, "This place is dangerous, we need to find a way to secure it." He looked up to the half-orc, as he moved about, trying to set up a makeshift table with barrels that were almost as large as him. He would be struggling to do this if Tsakua wasn't helping.
"You surprise me, thought you not worthy, but you are. Proven me wrong." He attempted a smile, though it looked more like the barring of teeth.
Tsakua looked down at Ishak as the kobold began helping get food ready. Smirking at the little lizard's comment, Tsakua began pulling out his dagger to cut the meat.
"Not worthy, ye say? No surprise there, I coulda told y'that," Tsakua chuckles. "Been less than worthy since before I was born." Looking at his dagger, Tsakua notices that there were a variety of bloodstains on it. Frowning a little to himself, Tsakua turns around and looks for somewhere to clean the knife off. Seeing Bree, he calls to her. "Oy, little lass! Could ye come and clean this blade fer me?" Setting the knife off to the side, Tsakua looked at it again. The stains from the blood seemed to make almost a pattern in the blade, and they reminded Tsakua of the oath they had all just sworn. It was a good feeling, to know you had someone to watch your back.
Turning and almost tripping on Ishak, Tsakua grabs a barrel and pulls it over to the table, motioning for Ishak to have a seat. He then begins pulling logs and rocks around to provide seats for any that wish to rest. "And how have I surprised ye, O wise one?" Tsakua asks Ishak, as he begins to pound the meat with his hands, trying to tenderize it.
Ishak rose a brow, if he had one, at Tsakua's questioning. "Wise one? No, me lucky, fortunate but not wise" he punctuated that statement with a wiggle of his dagger towards Tsakua before continuing the preparation of the food by skinning the hares that he had captured. He was making quick work at it as his hands moved deftly with the carcass. He glanced at the blade that Tsakua was going to have cleaned, "Blade is special, many oaths sworn, kissed many blood in a special way." He said off-handedly as he finished skinning the hare, stripping the meat and then began salting it.
Ishak was crouched in his make shift seat, still needing to be above the table in order to prep for the nights meal. With his eyes focused on his work he continued speaking to Tsakua. "Surprise by bond, comradery. Hardly know anyone here, yet you fight to keep them alive. Survived hard fights," he paused as he pulled another hare in front of him to keep up on the preparation. The salted meat he had prepped after Tsakua's tenderizing was soaking up the salt nicely. This would make for a great stew.
"I have feeling you might be destined for something great." He smirked at that and couldn't help chuckle, "Big oaf like you, greatness awaits for."
Breewyn perked up at Tsakua calling for her. She hobbled over and took the knife carefully. She looked at the bloodstains on the blade, seeming to be lost in thought as she took some water set aside and began to rinse it. She was hesitant to wash it for a moment, thinking of all those who had bled onto the knife the oaths that they had sworn. "Are you sure?" She asked before doing so.
"Whatever is in that tunnel is hungry...and I don't recommend approaching it. It may be beyond our skill to handle, but if we want it taken care of, we'll need to go in force. Otherwise, we should just steer clear of it," Ira shakes off the lingering chill that the draw of the tunnel left her with. She hangs her catch, draws her own dagger and begins to busy herself with cleaning it.
Tsakua looks at the knife, glinting in the light. The patterns from the blood seemed to dance along the blade. "Nay lass, don't wash it, but I don't know a thing 'bout 'special' knives. 'Tis my fists, fer me, and none other weapon am I comforted by." Tsakua watches as the injured gnome begins taking the knife back to the stores of weapons. It was almost as though she had seen something in the blade itself. "Oy, Bree!" he called, "If ye can find out what's changed with m'knife, y'can keep it!"
When Bree asked about Zorgg, Tsakua didn't know what to say. He turned and looked at Iraldia, shrugged, and turned back to helping Ishak finish preparing dinner.
When the others heard Bree's question they seemed to cast their gaze down. No one really knew how to break the news but Gwendalla took it upon herself. Standing from the pot she was caring for, placing the cook lid atop it to let the water boil. She turned from the group and approached Bree, laying a hand upon her shoulder with a sad smile.
"Breewyn... Zorgg died, he was killed by the tigers that attacked you. Apparently there were two and no one was able to reach him in time..." Her voice was soft and gentle, though she was use to being the bearer of bad news for years now.
The night was approaching, the sunlight turning into a golden hue, harkening the last hours of light was upon the group. The night life would be upon the forest, for whatever called these ruins home.
A few of the others had already took the liberty and armed themselves, some of them adorning some of the imperial armor and weapons as they stood watch in the courtyard. Little fires were being lit at the three entrances to the building, little makeshift spikes were laying against the stone wall unfinished.
Ishak was just listening now, as he moved to finish the stew, with the meat salted and prepped, a few of the vegetables from the wagon retrieved and chopped before he moved to the pot Gwendalla had started and adding the food with the assistance of another of the group.
"Stew is good for warmth, good for healing." He spoke out after Gwendalla broke the news. He huffed and looked to Bree for a moment, "It was unfortunate but our road is hard." He gestured to the group then with a little smile, "But we can strike back now. We have future." It wasn't elegant by any means but it worked well enough for Ishak as he moved back to the table.
"Plenty of time to mourn later, now we must enjoy, let good feelings energize us later." With that he smirked and glanced to Iraldia, "Like silly feline here, she likes darkness! Tunnel almost got her!"
She continued to look at the blade, feeling an aura, a presence coming from it. She turned it over in her hands before she quietly spoke Sylvan.
After a minute of carefully studying the blade she attempted try and identify it herself.
She was in silent awe as she continued to pour over the blade, delving into the magical mysteries that now permeated from it. This is a very special blade. It needs to be kept safe. She thought to herself, wondering where the best place to put it would be. She carefully concealed the dagger for now, as she returned with the other knife.
Later, when she asked about Zorgg, she could feel the uncomfortable quiet that fell over everyone. "What? Did something happen?" When Gwendalla broke the news to her, Bree's eyes began to well up with tears. Now she felt even more horrible, since it had been bad enough that she involved Iraldia and Octavian when she got attacked. The feeling that she might have also been the reason poor Zorgg didn't make it, almost broke her heart. She slipped into a quiet mood, not wanting to say anything, only keeping to herself for the time being. She didn't want to be a burden, she only wanted to help, and she hugged her knees to her chest, rocking gently back and forth.
When Bree started crying, Tsakua's face got clouded. "Tain't yer fault fer the little bugger's death, lass." Tsakua himself felt guilty, guilty that he hadn't been able to properly avenge their comrade, guilty that he hadn't tried harder to keep the spunky goblin in camp. Feeling the frustration begin to seep back into his being, he headed to the edge of the light, letting his eyes adjusting to the darkness.
Walking past Ira, Tsakua stopped and paused, staring out into the shadows. Almost muttering, he asked "And how are ye holdin' up, lass?" Scanning the darkness, Tsakua looked out over the ruins as his eyes adjusted, the light from the fire on his back, darkness in his face. Sighing, Tsakua turned and glanced over at Ira and realized for the first time how young she actually was. Can't be more than a youth, he thought.
Ira's eyes cast down as Tsakua's question made her actually visit her emotions, "I...this is all happening so fast...So much has happened in only 2 days and I can't make sense of it all." she glanced at the muscled half-orc, barely able to meet his gaze, "Yet...something nags at me...makes me restless like we should be doing something." Tears welled up in her eyes, "And...Zorgg...I've witnessed the death of otherkin and each time I have been helpless to stop it. I hate that feeling." She chokes back the tears and sadness. She forces a small smile, "Thank you for asking."
The mood around the camp somber down, the food was now cooking as Ishak was speaking with the other kobolds once again but near enough to tend to the stew that was cooking. The few that stood guard had ended up grouped up in the center of the courtyard, speaking to each other in low voices as they kept a wary watch. Hopefully the small fires at the openings will scare off most of the wildlife or at least ward them off.
Tsakua nodded at Ira, then looked back out into the darkness. "Tomorrow we'll be doing, but 'tis enough ye've done now, but helpless t'stop the death of kin, ye say?" Tsakua paused for a moment. Making eye contact with Iraldia, Tsakua's words came bluntly. "I say ye're a liar."
Tsakua waited another moment, to see if his words had any effect on the kitsune. "Bree opened the chains that held me. Took time t'come and rescue me while the rest were fighting in th'tunnels. Owe the little lady m'life." Tsakua began picking at the mortar in an old stone wall, struggling to make eye contact with Iraldia. "I didn't repay m'debt. Yet ye saved her, and brought her back, and fer that I thank ye, and am in yer debt as well." Looking up with his teasing grin, he repeats, "Helpless? Lass, tis a terrible liar ye are."
Ira stared at him, agape. A liar? She fumbled with some incoherent words as she struggled to find something to say to that. His toothy smile made it all that much more infuriating. She wanted to stamp the ground and walk off in a huff. Instead, her reaction was mixed. Her fist came up and met his solid shoulder, "You bastard" She wanted to be mad but couldn't help a smile breaking through.
Breewyn stopped rocking back and forth and trying to console herself once she had settled down some. She rubbed her palms against her eyes trying to dry them, they were red from her crying. She pulled out the knife from earlier that Tsakua had given her, thinking about the magic that now permeated from the blade. She looked at it a bit longer before she piped up about it.
"This blade-" She began, a hiccup interrupting her momentarily. "This blade has some magical power to it now. It almost seems...bloodthirsty? No that's not wholly true, it's more like it strikes true with a keener edge." She offered up the blade to whoever wished to claim it.
Tsakua reached up and brushed aside Iraldia's hand. "That I am, but at least I c'n see m'self fer what I am." Tsakua began picking at the stone wall again, collecting the flakes of mortar that fell. Almost casually, he commented "If ye've a problem with it, ye c'n take it up with th' parents I never knew." After staring at the flakes for a few moments, Tsakua looks back up at Iraldia and says, "Or, if ye'd like t'punch me again, I could show ye how t'do it prop'ly without lookin' the fool or bustin yer hand as we were wont t'do."
Ira felt a wave of exhaustion creep over her and realized she hadn't slept more than an hour in the past 48 hours. She smirked, "I'll have to take you up on that...but not now. I need to sleep. Thank you." She gave the big man a hug before turning to Breewyn, "you still need rest, hun. Lets sleep and face tomorrow with fresher eyes." With a wave of her hand, a breeze of wind swept up a pile of leaves in the corner into a neat bed. The kitsune whistled for Gommie and the two retreated to a corner of the ruins to lay down and sleep.
Eternal optimists. They think it makes all the difference to look at the bright side of things. All that does is make you weak. We were damn helpless to save him, and it wasn't even humans that did it. Just random luck. There is no justice in the world beyond that. Unbiased chance. He looks down darkly and runs a finger up the edge of his weapon, watching the blood run down his finger and onto his hand. The sooner they realize that the better their chances of living are. He grunts and stokes the fire. "Keep it hot. Least we can do is keep predators away."
Breewyn waited for a few moments in silence after Iraldia's suggestion and with a sigh, she took the dagger and went off to find her bed once more. Sleep. Yes, a very good idea. I really should get more of it. She rubbed her tired and bleary eyes, yawning hard enough to actually hurt her jaw.
Once she had found her place to sleep once more she almost flopped onto the bed, looking at the dagger for a few moments longer before hiding it under a pillow she managed to makeshift from some cloth and leaves.
Tsakua was caught off-guard at Iraldia's hug. Giving a muttered "yer welcome, he walked off to find a quiet corner to lay down in. After a few hours of sleep, he woke up and found a couple of good-sized, dry logs. He came around and dropped them off at each of the fires, hoping to keep them alive and bright through the night. Stopping at Jietin's fire last, he plops the log onto the coals. "Tis yer turn fer sleep, Jietin. I'll take watch from here." Pulling out a stick, Tsakua begins poking the fire, trying to bring get more air to the coals and build the flames up.
After ensuring that the fire would burn bright for the next little while, Tsakua actually steps back into the shadows where he can lean on part of the old ruins without having to be blinded by the firelight, and spends the rest of his night keeping watch.
When night finally landed and everyone began to grow tired, their was talk of shift changes and who would stand guard first. Some of followers decided to pitch in on the watches, to help out and give more of a presence in case there was any trouble during the night.
The night itself was quiet besides the sound of the fire crackling and popping and the soft sound of crickets chirping. It was almost eerie on how quiet the world felt, especially this deep into the forest, though it was just the lack of night wild live or something else was remain to be seen.
The sounds if the forest were new to someone too used to the jangling of chains and the cracking of whips. Instead, Tsakua focused on keeping the fire burning bright, and even spent a little time shadow boxing to keep from falling asleep. All in all, it seemed to be a peaceful night.
Lost in his pessimistic thoughts, Jietin reports nothing before going to sleep.
The night would pass with no incident and was rather uneventful, with a couple guard switches everyone was able to get a full nights rest.
The new day dawned, the air crisp and fresh. Birds were waking, their early singing helping rise those asleep. The fires were still going and left a homely Smokey smell in the air. The sun hasn't broken the horizon yet and the world was still cast in a light shadow.
The dwarfs were already up and were outside, planning some modifications to the building the group has chosen. An elf and kobold sat near one of the watch fires to the north entrance, both checking their gear and stringing their bows, ready to go a little scouting the nearby area. The elf seemed to have a scroll tube with some rolled parchment and charcoal for writing.
The others were either still waking or making their rounds with the feeding of the horses or cooking of the morning meal. It was an odd morning as there was no imminent threat to the parties survival as of now. There was a much more relaxed atmosphere about the camp as a new day was upon them.
Jietin: Human Slayer which gives you a +1 to attack on enemies with the human type.
Tsakua: Oath Guardian When fighting adjacent to allies you have sworn a blood pact to, you gain a +1 to CMB.
Breewyn: Survivor If you receive any damage that will drop your health to or below 0, you gain a roll to try and reduce the damage by half once an encounter.
Octavian: Tactician You gain the ability to discern enemy movements, using a swift action, you can roll a knowledge check to try and predict enemy troop movement or enemies weaknesses.
Iraldia: Archers Ally You gain an additional +1 to attack with a bow when attacking an enemy that is engaging an ally (Animal Companion is acceptable here).
Jietin wakes up, actually fully rested for the first time in a long time. He yawns and stretches, reaching up to his full height and cracking his neck with a sickening pair of pops! He rolls it and looks around, then picks up his stolen weapon, eyeing it critically. Still not a big fan of this thing. He thinks, grimly giving it a swing. Still. Have to use what you have to use. Much better than no weapon at all. He reflects on the offer from Tsakua, going over to find the half-orc. "Hey. Still want to spar?"
Breewyn shifted fitfully in her sleep some, the rays of the sun slowly creeping over her face and making her stir. She finally got up, finally having enough of the sun shining in her face brightly. She sat up, feeling well-rested and rubbing her eyes some. She reached under her pillow to find the dagger again, not feeling it at first. She panicked a bit, before her hand bumped the hilt and she breathed a sigh of relief. She pulled the knife out, staring at it some. I need to find a sheath. She thought about asking Tsakua where one might be, but decided she could try to find one herself.
Octavian had risen with the sun out of habit, so many years in the slave camp breeding into him innate wariness from changes in sound and light. This meant that the first lightning of the sky to the east instantly stirred him and caused for the wizard to quickly check around to make sure the guards weren't creeping into the cell to kill them all...no no, they were free now.
Rubbing the grit of sleep from his eyes the wizard wanders over and sits against the wall of the building outside, next to the door. He leaned his spear next to him and began to read through the journal that he had acquired. As he did the words in the book began to glow and his eyes quickly followed suit. Over the next hour he laid down the framework for the spells in his mind and arcane energies washed through him, reinvigorating abilities that hadn't been used in 2 decades.
Iraldia was sprawled out on her leaf bed, snoring away. A long, sloppy lick from Gommie woke her with a start. She whined and rolled up onto her butt. She rubbed her eyes and peered around. Everything seems calm....that's good Climbing out of bed, she wandered about the camp in her bed clothes, gathering food and drink for breakfast. She gave a few sleepy waves and 'good mornings' to others as the kitsune sat to eat. She slipped a few pieces of meat to Gommie and put down a bowl of water for the mutt.
After breakfast, she plays fetch with Gommie to let him get some exercise. She watches to see if Jietin and Tsakua will spar. Ira also spots Breewyn and smiles, "Looking better this morning, Bree!"
At Jietin's question, Tsakua jerked awake from the corner he'd been leaning against. Blinking in the sunlight, he stretched and rubbed the back of his neck. "Aye, a match'd be the thing t'get th'muscles workin' prop'ly," was his response as he stood, yawning and blinking in the morning light. Moving to a clear area, Tsakua drew a line in the dirt and placed one foot on it. Hands at the ready, he stretched, then grinned and nodded at Jietin.
Moving in to grapple Jietin, Tsakua ducked under the swing of the halberd, but misjudged his footing, falling to the ground.
Picking himself up with a grin, Tskaua dusted himself off and the sparring continued, neither giving any quarter.
A couple of times during the match, it seemed like Tsakua would throw Jietin onto the ground, but each time the brawny tiefling managed to escape and push the half-orc back.
To your knowledge this has never happened before and has never been recorded. Was this a secret that wizards kept to themselves? Or was this a new discovery?
Breewyn turns to Iraldia, giving her one of her warm smiles. "Feeling much better too, thanks to you. Thank you again for saving me." She gives her a gentle hug, before going to sit as she watches the spar between Jietin and Tsakua continue. "Do you know who is winning?" She asked, looking back over her shoulder at Iraldia. She looked kind of confused at the two men sparring against each other.
Ira murred happily at the hug and smiled at the gnome. She turned back to the two men grappling at each other's already sweaty bodies. The kitsune gave a shrug as she sipped some water, "I think the horned one is. The green one seems to be off his game this morning."
Breewyn watched in silent awe as they continued to tussle with each other. She wanted to root for both of them, since they were fighting so hard, but she knew deep down one would have to be victorious over the other. Her attention was rapt, her breathing slow as she watched every move each of them made. Iraldia's observation was pretty spot-on. Tsakua was not fairing so well against Jietin in their latest round of sparring. She leaned forward, anticipation making her giddy as the spar continued to unfold.
As the morning progressed the group seemed to spread out, a few went scouting the ruins, a couple of them stayed to guard and tend to the horses and supplies, Ishak and the other kobolds could be seen atop of the ruins, pointing out things to each other which seemed like they were planning something.
The orange morning glow was leaking through the canopy of the forest, splashing itself against the ground and ruins haphazardly. There was a soft, fresh breeze that stirred through around the trees with ease. The sounds of the birds singing their morning tunes was an odd change but it was a pleasant one nonetheless. This morning was different, it had such a good energy to it that seemed to have uplifted the entire groups spirits, mostly.
It was only a few moments before Ishak and the other kobolds split up, Ishak climbing down the ruins without much difficulty before approaching the group.
Ishak approached the group, his cerulean eyes glancing at the different tasks they were all taking on, though instead of addressing one he'd speak to the group as a whole. Clearing his throat he found a relatively large piece of rubble to stand upon to help project his voice.
"Attention please!" he called out, waving his hand which held a rolled up parchment in it. He would wait until most of the group was paying attention to him now.
Smiling a little awkwardly he cleared his throat once more. "I found this in the chest that was in this building." He unfurls the parchment, it was a relatively detailed map of the area from whomever had left it behind. "Among some old keys, a few potions and moldy food." He almost seemed to wrinkle his nose in response to his last words. Opening the chest was exhilarating, besides being slammed with that... stench.
"It seems like there were people before us. Long ago they detailed the immediate surroundings. And a few notes on our area. But..." Ishak looked at everyone in turn, "It tells us where the temple is, the temple that the ugly king wants." He points in the north western part of the map, "The group before, they found the temple. In a log they spoke about possible treasures and stuff. That they went in but it seems like they never came back."
"They also noted a few places. Kitsune and I found this one, but no mention of deadly things there. They say it was a mining shaft into the tunnels below. There are a few other places too, an old wizards tower, a nearby barracks, an armory they couldn't get into. They also said things about a citadel deeper into the city."
He took a pause for a moment, it was hard for him to speak coherently for long periods of time. "What do we do?"
Tsakua picked himself up off the ground where he had been resting from his sparring match with Jietin. "We've 5 or 6 days till those dungeon crawlers behind us catch up. If it's all the same t'everyone present, I'd rather not be ambushed under ground." Looking back at Ishak, he asks, "Is there any way t'the temple 'sides through that shaft?"
After looking at the map, he follows up with his opinion. "We might want t' get into th' armory. If there're weapons left that've lasted as long a these walls, they'd be worth having."
Ishak thought on his question for a moment before taking a look at the scroll, recalling what he read in the journal last night. "I don't know. They took a more longer way. They stumbled upon it while searching. The tunnel does seem to have a split towards it..." He was trying to make out the map but shook he head.
"Its a risk, but it may lead to it. They didn't say. But that armory makes me curious." He cleared his throat, his tongue getting tired from having to pronounce each word carefully. There was a reason he spoke bad common, it was easier on him. "They say something kept them from opening the door. Like the door didn't age at all... I think it was magically sealed. It seems these ruins are rife with latent magic as well. Could explain the tunnel from yesterday."
Jietin practices with his new weapon, trying for some repositions and trips and other fancy things he know should be done with it but at the end he just ends up trying to beat his opponent into the ground with it. Some things never change.
At the end Jietin picks up Tsakua (again) and frowns. "You seem distracted." He says bluntly. However he's interrupted by Ishak and his massive information gathering. "Wow, you found all that?" He grunts. "Treasure you say? We could certainly use some money..." He ventures to the group.